Stuffed Pepper Meatloaf - all the makings of a stuffed pepper wrapped up in a moist and tender meatloaf. Filled with rice, spices, and then topped off with green peppers and a tomato glaze. Stuffed peppers made easy and delicious!
So many people think meatloaf is just a big 'ol hamburger, but really that isn't true at all. It should not taste like a burger. It should take on the flavor profiles of all the spices and add ins creating a taste of it's own, like these Mini BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaves or Instant Pot Meatloaf and Potatoes! And in this case it's a Stuffed Pepper explosion of flavor!
Growing up I am not sure I fully appreciated stuffed peppers as much as I do now. I always seemed to eat the insides and left the pepper, but all the flavors that made its way inside were what made it so so good!
Now I eat it all up, what about you?
This one even my "won't touch a stuffed pepper" son loves! So hopefully your picky eaters will enjoy it too! It sure has been a big family hit at our house and it's big on flavor y'all!
Get delicious recipes and news in your inbox each week!
Why you’ll love this stuffed pepper meatloaf recipe
- The Flavors- This isn't an ordinary meatloaf. It is packed with rice, green pepper, onion, and tomato. All the makings of a stuffed pepper in an easy to make meatloaf.
- The Spices - Spices give flavor. Garlic, pepper, and bouillon or salt give this dish that extra yum factor.
- Super Easy - Meatloafs are simple easy meals. You combine your ingredients and pour on your glaze and peppers and it's ready to go.
- Make Ahead - This can be prepared ahead of time so when you come home from a long day it's ready to go in the oven. I often make the night before or the morning of. It's easy enough though to put together the day of too 😉 !
- Comfort Food - Stuffed Pepper Meatloaf is comfort food on a plate! Reminiscent of what mama made! Who doesn't love a good home-cooked meal!
Ingredients
- Ground Round
- Instant Rice
- Onion
- Egg
- Salt & Pepper
- Bouillon
- Garlic
- Green Bell Pepper - You can also use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers too.
- Crushed Tomatoes
- Olive Oil
How to make stuffed pepper meatloaf
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and instructions!
- Preheat oven to 350°. Adjust rack to middle position. If using a sheet pan line with foil for easy clean up. If using a dutch oven or pan, you can skip lining if desired.
For the topping
- Wash and slice green peppers.
- In a medium bowl mix topping ingredients (except for green peppers) - crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and salt to taste.
For the meatloaf
- In a large bowl mix meatloaf mixture ingredients - ground beef, instant rice, grated onion, egg, garlic, bullion and black pepper. I find using your hands is easiest way to combine.
- Place meatloaf in pan and shape into loaf .
- Top the meatloaf with sliced green peppers and pour tomato mixture over the peppers. (alternately, if you prefer you can mix the peppers in with tomato mixture and spoon over the top you can)
- Cover with foil or over safe lid and cook for 45 minutes. Remove foil and cook remainder of time (30 to 45 minutes) or until done. An instant read thermometer should read 155° to 160° when done. I check to 1 hour mark with thermometer as shape of meatloaf and oven times vary.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
A meatloaf will fall apart because the mixture wasn't mixed together well enough or it wasn't pressed together firmly. Using a loaf pan can also help hold it together.
For this recipe I actually do not. There are plenty of juices
When you free form a meatloaf, often the ends/edges are a little more done than the center. This is perfect for our family because some people like crispy edges and some like the juicier center.
Using a loaf pan will keep the meatloaf more consistent throughout and it will be
Typically no! However if the meatloaf or toppings are browning too quickly you can cover for part of the time.
This meatloaf has the green peppers on top therefore, I cook it covered for the first 45 minutes and leave it uncovered the remainder of time. This will give the top time to caramelize but not overcook the inside.
A typical meatloaf, when baked in a loaf pan or shaped on a baking sheet, should bake at 350° for 1 to 1 ½ hours. That is 35 to 45 minutes per pound.
Test internal temperature using an instant read thermometer. It should register 160° for a beef meatloaf when done.
The shape of the meatloaf can also affect cook time. If you cook in a loaf pan and have a taller meatloaf if may take a little longer. I like to check at 1 hour with an internal instant read thermometer to see where it is in the cooking stage. You don't want it overdone as it can dry out.
It also continues cooking a little as it rests, so you can remove it when it is at the 155° to 160° range.
Tips
- A tastier, juicier meatloaf - The secret to making a meatloaf taste great is using a good quality, fresh beef. I like a ground round or a 15% fat content. It's still leaner than a regular ground beef, but this lends to tons of flavor.
- Make sure to use Instant Rice. If you use a regular rice it won't cook enough. If you just don't have it at home, in a pinch use pre-cook rice. Just cook it to al dente.
- Make sure to not over mix. Overmixing can make it tough. You want to mix it until everything is nice and combined so that it will hold it's shape and stay together.
- A few cracks are ok! Flavor drips down into them! That's a good thing!
- Bouillon powder - replace salt with bouillon powder for even more flavor! You can use beef, chicken or vegetable. If you don't have it the salt substitution is 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste).
- Grating your onion - This is something I started doing honestly to trick my kids when they were younger. I also found it makes the meatloaf more tender. It adds the flavor without the chunks of onion showing up too!
- If you want a caramelized topping, you can place it under the broiler a couple of minutes after cooking. Just keep an eye on it!
- Let your meatloaf rest before cutting. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to distribute. This makes for a more delicious meatloaf.
What to serve with meatloaf
- Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Southern Style Green Beans
- Collard Greens Au Gratin
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
More timeless meals made with ground beef
If you love ground beef recipes check out these 20 plus Ground Beef Recipes!
This week I am participated in a food blogger recipe swap called Freaky Friday Blog Swap. It's a time when a few fellow bloggers are assigned a secret sister of sorts. We pick a recipe from each other's blog to recreate in our own kitchens. Thank you Michaela at An Affair from the Heart or hosting!
I was also assigned Michaela. I love her blog and recipes because they are delicious, tried and true, and use simple ingredients! She believes in gathering family around the table and creating a meaningful connection. Since we both want to bring people to the table to make memories around a meal we instantly became fast foodie friends.
I love her sweet, warm spirit and you definitely see it in the recipes she creates! She loves her family and having them at home. I can relate in so many ways to her as home, our children, and family are what drive us. Her recipes reflect all that love and warmth.
It was so hard to decide what to make! She can do wonders with sauerkraut like these Traditional Reuben Sandwich, her Nebraska Runzas look scrumptious, and those Paczki Polish Donuts are divine!
When I came across her stuffed pepper meatloaf, I knew it was a must try! This was her mom's recipe and growing up my mom always made the best stuffed peppers too, and a meatloaf version was a must try!
Let me just say it was a big hit with my family just like it is with hers!
So make sure to go check out the many scrumptious dishes she is serving up at An Affair from the Heart! You will be very glad you did!
Be sure to scroll down to see all the recipes from my foodie friends!
Stuffed Pepper Meatloaf
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 pounds ground round beef
- 1 cup instant rice
- ½ medium onion, grated
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ fresh minced garlic
- 2 beef bouillon cubes, granulated
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Topping
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced (any color bell pepper works)
- 1 - 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon fresh minced garlic
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- In a medium bowl mix topping ingredients (except for green peppers) - crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and salt.
- In a large bowl combine meatloaf mixture ingredients - ground beef, instant rice, grated onion, egg, garlic, bullion and black pepper. I find using your hands is easiest way to combine.
- In a casserole dish, dutch oven, loaf pan or sheet pan - form a loaf.
- Top the meatloaf with sliced green peppers and pour tomato mixture over the peppers. (alternately, if you prefer you can mix the peppers in with tomato mixture and spoon over the top you can)
- Cover with foil or over safe lid and cook for 45 minutes. Remove foil and cook remainder of time (30 to 45 minutes) or until done. An instant read thermometer should read 155° to 160° when done. I check to 1 hour mark with thermometer as shape of meatloaf and oven times vary.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
✱ Nikki's Tips
✱ Nikki's Tips
- A tastier, juicier meatloaf - The secret to making a meatloaf taste great is using a good quality, fresh beef. I like a ground round or a 15% fat content. It's still leaner than a regular ground beef, but this lends to tons of flavor.
- Make sure to use Instant Rice. If you use a regular rice it won't cook enough. If you just don't have it at home, in a pinch use pre-cook rice. Just cook it to al dente.
- Make sure to not over mix. Overmixing can make it tough. You want to mix it until everything is nice and combined so that it will hold it's shape and stay together.
- A few cracks are ok! Flavor leaks down into them! That's a good thing!
- Bouillon powder - replace salt with bouillon powder for even more flavor! You can use beef, chicken or veg. If you don't have it the salt substitution is 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste).
- Grating your onion - This is something I started doing honestly to trick my kids when they were younger. I also found it makes the meatloaf more tender. It adds the flavor without the chunks of onion showing up too!
- If you want the topping more caramelized, you can place it under the broiler a couple of minutes after cooking. Just keep an eye on it!
- Rest before cutting. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to distribute. Makes for a more delicious meatloaf.
Nutrition
Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Take a look at all of our 2021 Freaky Friday Winter Edition Recipes:
- An Affair from the Heart - Copy Cat Taco Bell Enchirito
- Aunt Bee's Recipes - Three Cheese Jalapeno Poppers
- The Carefree Kitchen - Lemon Bundt Cake
- The Culinary Compass - Rotel Sausage Dip
- Devour Dinner - Cheese Enchiladas
- The Foodie Affair - Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread
- The Fresh Cooky - Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
- House of Nash Eats - Pineapple Casserole
- Kathryn's Kitchen Blog - Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- Lemoine Family Kitchen - Red Beans & Rice
- Life, Love & Good Food - Pan Seared Scallops
- Lisa's Dinnertime Dish - Weeknight Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry
- Off the Eaten Path - Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Soulfully Made - Stuffed Pepper Meatloaf
- The Speckled Palate - Pretzel Cheese Dip
- Sugar Dish Me - Cheesecake Brownies with Graham Cracker Crust
- Take Two Tapas - Buffalo Chicken Taquitos in the Air Fryer
- West Via Midwest - Frito Corn Salad
Angela says
I make a version of this. I use tomato soup, in the meatloaf and on top. I also put pepper jack cheese in the middle.
Nikki Lee says
Delicious! Adding cheese is always a good idea!
Rebecca says
I love Meatloaf, it's so easy to make and always great for leftovers. You gave great directions and it was so delicious. YUMMY!
Brandi Burgess says
You combined 2 of my favorite foods here. I could eat stuffed peppers or meatloaf every single night and now I don't have to choose!!!!!
Jill Baird says
Huge meatloaf fans here and this did not disappoint! My family loved this recipe and we'll definitely be making it again soon! Thanks for the easy to follow instructions too! So yummy!
Nikki Lee says
Thank you Jill! Knowing your family loved it makes my heart glad! You are so welcome!
Sheila Thigpen says
This looks like a great family dinner idea and I love all the helpful tips you've shared, too! Kudos on your photos — this meatloaf looks amazing!
Nikki Lee says
Thank you Sheila! Meatloaf is one of those things that is a little difficult to make look beautiful, but it sure does taste yummy!
Chrissie Nelson Rotko says
I have to admit that I am not a huge meatloaf fan but this one looks and sounds really delicious! Gonna have to try it!
Nikki Lee says
If you like stuffed peppers, I think you will enjoy it!
Amy Nash says
This meatloaf was delicious! I love the glaze on top and the extra boost of flavor from the veggies! Such a nice change from my regular meatloaf!
Nikki Lee says
Thank you Amy! It's one of my family's favorites. Nice to change up dinner, even meatloaf night!
Erin says
My mind is BLOWN about the rice in this meatloaf! SUCH a brilliant addition and also, the pepper and onion and everything else. This is simply SO good.
Nikki Lee says
Thanks so much Erin! It is a simple meal full of flavors.
Kathryn Donangelo says
This is such a great idea! I love all the flavors of classic meatloaf stuffed into a pepper! Making this one night this week for dinner and I can't wait! Great recipe!
Nikki Lee says
Thank you Kathryn! I hope you enjoy it!
Sandra Shaffer says
Ooooh, love the rice in this meatloaf. Now this is a complete meal!
Nikki Lee says
Thank you Sandra! Really it could be a complete meal in itself.
Angela says
So delicious! I love how easy it was to make and how much flavor is packed into this meatloaf!
Nikki Lee says
Thank you Angela! All the flavor without all the work! A dinner win!
Jennifer Stewart says
I love meatloaf and stuffed peppers! What a genius combo! My husband doesn't really like peppers but this way I know he will eat this!
Nikki Lee says
Thank you Jennifer! My hubby is the same way and he loves this one!
Carlee says
What a fun flavor profile for a meatloaf! My husband is going to love it.
Nikki Lee says
It really is a delicious one! Easy too!
Michaela Kenkel says
You literally chose one of my family's MOST favorite meals! ANYTIME I ask for dinner suggestions this one gets mentioned -- I am so happy that you and yours loved it just as much!
Nikki Lee says
Michaela thank you for a wonderful recipe to share for our blog hop! It is absolutely delicious! We all love it so much! It will be enjoyed many times over! Meal memories are just at important to me like they are for you! This one will bring a sweet friend to mind each time we gather around our table!